Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse City School District officials say they are already working to address the district's high student suspension rate criticized in a report by the state Attorney General's Office.

An investigation by the AG's office found the Syracuse district suspends students at a higher rate than almost every other district in the country and violates the legal rights of many youngsters facing discipline.The investigation also found black students are twice as likely as white students to be disciplined.

Details of the investigation are contained in a proposed settlement the AG's office sent to the district. That proposal outlined corrective actions the district can take to address the situation.

District Superintendent Sharon Contreras and Bill Bullen, school board vice president, released this prepared statement in respose to the AG's report:

"We are continuing to fully cooperate and work with the Attorney General on a final resolution to their investigation. We are in receipt of the draft agreement and will be in a position to provide more information once the document is finalized. Prior to receiving this document from the Office of the Attorney General, the District put into place numerous initiatives to address student behavior and suspensions. We believe we are making progress, and are dedicated to working together with the Attorney General to promote the safety, dignity and respect for all students, teachers and staff."